Fresh uncertainty has emerged over efforts to produce a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, as political parties and opposition groups continue to express differing views on the proposal.
The debate followed a call by the Group of 100 Nigerians (G-100), led by former APC chieftain Salisu Lukman, urging opposition leaders to unite behind one candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The group appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, their running mates Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other opposition figures to place national interest above personal ambition.
According to the G-100, a divided opposition would struggle to defeat the ruling APC, making a common presidential ticket necessary to consolidate opposition votes. Lukman announced that an opposition summit would hold in Abuja on August 18, 2026, to advance the proposal.
However, signs of resistance have already appeared among some parties expected to participate.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, welcomed initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic opposition but did not confirm whether Atiku would attend the summit.
Shaibu said Atiku supports efforts to build a broad democratic coalition but stressed that any process must be transparent, inclusive and democratic, and should produce a candidate capable of winning the confidence of Nigerians.
He added that Atiku is consulting with opposition leaders and stakeholders and that the outcome of those discussions would be made public at the appropriate time.
On the Obi side, the Obidient Movement confirmed that an invitation had been sent to the former Anambra governor. National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa said the decision on whether Obi would attend rests solely with him, although the movement supports opposition cooperation.
The Labour Party also backed collaboration among opposition forces but argued that any coalition should be built around its existing structure rather than a new political platform.
National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa said the party’s institutional relationship with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) gives it a nationwide organisational advantage that other parties cannot easily match.
Asogwa called on opposition groups seeking a formidable alliance to merge their structures into the Labour Party, describing it as the most viable platform for challenging the APC.
The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) adopted a more cautious stance. Deputy National Publicity Secretary Judith Aguenu said the party is not currently negotiating with the G-100 or any other group on the adoption of a single presidential candidate.
Aguenu said the DLA’s immediate priority is to strengthen its own platform, though it remains open to discussions with parties and civil society organisations committed to accountable governance.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) endorsed the G-100 initiative and pledged support for the success of the August 18 Abuja summit.
CUPP spokesperson Agu Bryan said the coalition has long supported the idea of a single opposition presidential candidate where practicable, arguing that a united opposition with a credible policy platform would stand a better chance against the Tinubu administration.
Bryan, however, stressed that opposition unity must be accompanied by a sustained demand for free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
While the G-100 insists that a common candidate is necessary to avoid another split in opposition votes, several political actors appear reluctant to abandon their existing platforms without a clear agreement on the structure, leadership and principles of any proposed coalition.
The question of who should lead such an alliance is expected to be the most contentious issue, as Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso each command significant political support bases, while parties such as the Labour Party are working to consolidate their own structures ahead of 2027.
The August 18 summit in Abuja is therefore shaping up as an early test of whether Nigeria’s opposition can move beyond individual party interests and agree on a shared political strategy.
For now, the emerging positions suggest that while many opposition figures agree on the need for cooperation, reaching consensus on a single presidential candidate for 2027 may prove far more difficult.
